Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@robin-thompson
• 26 minutes ago
• comments: 0
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
@redmando
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hello Karen - good to hear from you again. Yes, Sandie did set a high bar so I will have my work cut out. I will definitely get back to you with an idea or..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
"Hi Zelda, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
"Hi Clark, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
"Hi Kmeisel, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
"Hi Amy, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Audio File:
All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Created a new Audio File:
All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@karen-b
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hey there Steve! Congratulations on your new gig! Sandie set a high bar, but they’ve selected a talented guy to follow in her footsteps. Happy to help if..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
@redmando
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Created a new forum topic "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hello - for some reason I seem to have volunteered to be the new editor of the quarterly UK dulcimer club magazine "Nonsuch News". I am therefore looking for..."
@richard-streib
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"cairney:
Happy New Year! May you live 2026 in reckless, musical abandon! Learning songs you never thought you could play, giving performances anywhere they..."
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"In answer to your question, in our home we celebrate Hanukah and New Year's. For Hanukah, we light our menorah and make potato pancakes. Our kids are..."
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: The Positive Thread...
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: The Positive Thread...
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Here's to more peace, kindness, and compassion in this world of ours for 2026. Wishing you all a joyful new year. oxo"
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"Thanks guys,this tune has long been a favourite of mine since I heard it in the practice room at a fiddle contest in Ontario's 70's.On another note,I had a..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
"Strumelia:
This is so well done!!! I especially like the clicking of the bones. Awesome.
Thanks so much and Happy New Year! Those bones are made of..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"If you have an extra dulcimer around that plays ok and is not a vintage collector's instrument, then you could pay a competent luthier to install the extra..."
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Happy New Year! May you live 2026 in reckless, musical abandon! Learning songs you never thought you could play, giving performances anywhere they will let..."
@skip
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"You can restring to 4 equal distant strings, D-A-A#-d, D-B-A#-d or D-A-A#-c like Janita Baker. Ref. Book- 'Fingerpickin' Dulcimer'.
These tunings won't work..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"You do need to look for an actual "chromatic dulcimer" that is called that. i.e., one that has all frets, with no diatonic 'spaces' between certain frets."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Thank you, @cindy-stammich-- wishing you and all at FOTMD lots of happy strumming in this new year! "
@ann-andrews
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @ann-andrews: CHROMATIC DULCIMER
Liked a group discussions item created by @ann-andrews: CHROMATIC DULCIMER
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
"Welcome to FOTMD, AmyC. I'm glad you joined our group. Let us know if you have any questions as you begin your dulcimer journey. Shenandoah is a special song..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Kmeisel. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site and let us know if you have any questions. This is friendly and..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"You need a dulcimer that has all the frets like a guitar, banjo, or mandolin.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@cindy-stammich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Wishing each of you and your families and friends a Very Happy New Year!"
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"I don't know about "special", but a chromatic dulcimer is what you are looking for."
@cindy-stammich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Go Tell It On The Mountain - Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Go Tell It On The Mountain - Mountain Dulcimer:
"Ethan, As I reread my comment, I need to apologize for the way it sounded….. there was no problem (being too short) I was just whining..."
@david-bennett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: January:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: January:
"bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: January..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on CHROMATIC DULCIMER:
"Most dulcimers can not play a chromatic scale. Traditional dulcimers were built to play a diatonic scale, but most are built today with at least one..."
@ann-andrews
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Created a new Group discussion "CHROMATIC DULCIMER":
Created a new Group discussion "CHROMATIC DULCIMER":
"Do I have to get a special dulcimer to play chromatic?"
Beginner players
Beginner players
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
"Welcome Kmeisel to Friends of the mountain dulcimer. Glad you joined. There is a lot of great information here and some great folks. Look around. Let us know..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
"Welcome Amyc to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's great to have you join. Congrats on your new dulcimer. Let us know if you have questions. We are here..."
@bob
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How do I create a new forum discussion?":
Posted a response to "How do I create a new forum discussion?":
"Hi - I just returned here after a few years absence and I am trying to remember how these things work also! anyway, Happy New Year, everyone!"
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on @davisjames:
Posted a new Comment on @davisjames:
"Davis, thank you again for helping support this site !!"
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"Strumelia:
Lovely to hear this Basque carol, Mark. Thank you!
I'm glad you like it. There are so many wonderful folk carol melodies around the world, I..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
"This is so well done!!! I especially like the clicking of the bones. Awesome."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"This is just beautiful! "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"Lovely to hear this Basque carol, Mark. Thank you!"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
"I'm sending warm new year wishes to you and your dulcimer friends as well, Martin. I so much love your musical contributions here! "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"Wonderfully played, dulcidom!
Sending all warmest wishes for good health, great joy, and much music-making in the coming new year! "
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
"Alex_Lubet:
Bravo. Really interesting and different. What a great idea.
Thanks Alex Lubet, glad you liked it."
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
Latest Forum Posts All
New editor looking for...
Posted: Friday January 2 2026, 1:45 PM
By: @Redmando
By: @Redmando
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 1 2026, 4:51 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula
By: @paula
At a Dinner Party
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Two new reviews of my...
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin
By: @RobMachin
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Directing Facebook Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Peterson Tuner
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Western North Carolina...
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Retuning
Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Cyndi Lauper live
Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Shifting bridge and nut
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee
Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Searching for tab for...
Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Goodbye my old friend
Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Looking for Info on Laurel...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Advice for fire-damaged...
Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
History of Pinewoods folk...
Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Child ballads playlist on...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.